Class+Notes

Here's where we can post notes for each class.

Class Notes August 31, 2009

Name Where you are at Pratt? Do you work in a library? If so, where? Got a specialization yet? Best memory from 6th grade? Fave song right now

Development Assets:

Made a castle—cool project Going out with friends School plays—stage crew Decorating each other’s lockers for birthdays Moving was good Graduation prom from 6th grade—first time she saw a kiss!!! Introduction to dress codes—mom stood up Birthday parties Celebration city—boy let him do part of his project..so nice Junior high music teacher came and played every musical instrument

Tweens: Who they are?

Ages 10-13 Been talking about since 1998 Teens getting sexualized? Bratz, attire of tween girls Emulating celebrities: Miley, etc Powerful group in pop culture—helicopter parenting (parents are always involved) Tweens tend to be driving the machine more than parents or the media Who will Generation Z be?

What do you think of when you say the word Tween? Kids who come after school—come to use the computers—main reason for being there Love runescape MMOG Myspace Meebo Social hangout—can sometimes get to read books Parents may or may not be present—often parents see library as free babysitting

Tweens are more disrespectful?

Reach them thru pop music

How do they behave? Loud A hive/swarm/stick together Don’t have the best control over their bodies Role-playing adulthood Girls have makeup on, but they don’t look old enough to wear it Don’t have impulse control Hard to blur the social networking lines Role playing to be older Kids always want to read up

Twilight: I want to be in the cultural conversation

Hard to determine age appropriateness Hard to balance high-interest with readiness to deal with an issue Scared of content

Tweens are impressionable Love praise Willing collaborators—developing schemes—crafty Willing to help out—love to have jobs Tweens brought in manga collection themselves—wanted to circulate it Very industrious Willing to give you a full report Empowerment can be a good thing!

Capable of reading up but content is too racy

Manga

Book covers really sell it Manga publishers are now publishing younger titles

How do they behave? Really self-conscious; worried what their friends are going to say Boys are performers sometimes— Boys are tiny; girls are tall Girls are 40; boys are 8 Girls see the future

Hands and feet get bigger first—makes them clumsy The smell starts in 7th grade

Tweens are gullible

September 14, 2009

Digital Natives, etc.

Tweens: Technology:

phones computers video games PDAs iPods blackberry are rare sidekicks internet

communication:

texting phone IM FB/Myspace email older people twitter face-to-face online gaming video chat skype BBMing--like a FB community photography/video youtube

gadgets:

videogames phones ipods computers PSPs laptops pet games

Dig Divide:

ahead of the curve learning worse english skills--weird text speak people are writing more than ever now is there still a place for written language as we know it?

have no fear of internet Teens:

Tech: same use different video games do more tween girls play games than teen girls

Communication: same

gadgets same

learning curve:

Ya'll: tech: GPS

Communication: snail mail landlines cards SKYPE Faxing scan copies digital photography/video DVR XM--satellite radio pagers online gambling MS Office

learning curve: use more niche/nice tools on internet like hulu less tolerant of crappy stuff Internet replaces traditional needs: such as television, news, movie, music, pandora what will hulu look like in 25 years? our generation is divided in terms of tech savvy-ness and tech comfort zones but we all have a friend we can call

transition generation

Parents:

Tech: typewriters record players b&w tv didn't bring a gadget in your pocket cell phones on limited basis--landlines, faxing,

communication: faxing email land lines still record stuff on VHS still reads paper sunday coupons on paper newspapers and magazines are slimmer pays pills via snail mail fear that what's happening online isn't happening FOR REAL cameras

grandparents:

tech: memograph machine phonographs--78RPM records dictophone stenography telegraph slide rule moving pictures postcards typewriters car camera with a flash bulb

communication: letter writing FTF yelling out the window photos slideshows phone party lines beepers

gadgets:

dishwasher mixer vacuum cleaners--domestic things played instruments singing after dinner no tv help me I'm falling thing

learning curve: behind the curve on FB cell phones one grandparent is totally tech savvy more tech savvy than parents? because they have more free time? Senior Wii bowling Digitial photography online shopping use the library send email web TV

overarching themes: email cell phones FTF

R U Reading Online?

balanced socio-economics affect students sacrifice other things to get the technology they need and they share it with each other

When Edward met Bella: encourages writing but you don't have to invent it never has be over

ONLINE R U REALLY READING? Literacy debate—does online reading count as “real” reading? Yes, It Does. No, It Doesn’t.
 * “new reading” that inspires teens to read and write
 * easier reading for teens with learning disabilities
 * online reading skills are sought after in job market
 * teens should even be tested on Internet proficiency skills
 * teens read long fanfic online and can add their own ideas, flexible
 * Internet access to low-income students improved reading test scores.
 * Reading from several different POVs can be more enriching than one book.
 * Internet encourages conversation, “books are more one-way”
 * Literacy experts say “reading” should be redefined to include videos & pictures.
 * diminishing attention spans, losing ability to concentrate, focus.
 * “empty calorie” reading, distracting
 * traditional reading “opens doors to elite education and professions.”
 * “web readers are persistently weak at judging whether information is trustworthy.”
 * US will not participate in global study looking at electronic reading skills.

WHEN HARRY MET BELLA Fanfiction do’s and don’ts: Promote fanfiction by showing sites, evaluating stories online and holding contests. TWEENS: TEN GOING ON SIXTEEN “There is no such thing as preadolescence anymore. Kids are teenagers at ten.”--MS head of Bereley Carroll School in Brooklyn Henry Trevor. “There’s no question there’s a deep trend, not a passing fad, towards kids getting younger. This is not just on the coasts. There are no real differences geographically” —research psychologist Michael Cohen of Arc Consulting. “The 12 and 14 year olds of yesterday are the 10 to 12 year olds of today. [The rise of the preteen teen] is “the biggest trend we’ve seen.”—Bruce Friend, vice president of research and planning for Nickelodeon. Tweens are eschewing both the LOOK (dressing & acting “older” which includes acting “sexy”/BRATZ/ Forever 21/Limited Too/Strawberry) and SUBSTANCE of childhood.
 * Teens write fan fiction because they crave more interaction and information about favorite characters.
 * Current copyright determines whether an author can profit from fan fiction or not.
 * Teens shouldn’t try to sell fan fiction and should remove it if an author asks.
 * Fanfiction helps develop writing and reading skills
 * Fanfiction encourages community building
 * Teens can be more creative when they don’t have to invent everything, and focus on pacing, style and plot.
 * Fanfiction editors=beta readers
 * New, too good to be true characters=Mary Sue or Gary Stu
 * Don’t send story to the author
 * Do promote as way of analyzing a book
 * Don’t charge $
 * Do hold to a standard
 * Don’t post story to school or library site, use established sites

· “Ninth and tenth grade used to be the starting point…now it’s seventh grade.” —Henry Trevor · Offenders under age 15 represent the leading edge of juvenile crime. · B/T 1988 & 1995, # of girls saying they had sex before 15 rose from 11 to 19%. Boys were 21%. Approximately one in every 5 middle school students is sexually active. · Eating disorders are on the rise with late-elementary school girls.
 * Risky behaviors at younger ages:**

· “Sexualized and glitzy media-driven marketplace.” · “Absentee parents”
 * What factors are causing the tween trend?**

Media market flatters teens into believing they are independent, sophisticated consumers with their own tastes and values. When parents aren’t around, kids fill in the vacumn with a “rigidly hierarchical and materialistic peer group.” Parents aren’t there to challenge the dominion of the group. Parents are confused by their own role. They have become enablers under the disguise of “empowerment” and “self-esteem.” To punish a child, hold him accountable for his actions, force him to speak politely is to “threaten his most primary need—to express himself.” Parents see themselves as advocates whose job is to support the child’s “empowered” decision making—whether or not the decision was the right one. To do otherwise is to “damage self-esteem.” “Confidence in the service of what goal?..Empowerment implies that children should determine their own style, codes of behavior, and values without…interference from parents. And they have.” “Teachers confirm that…empowerment amounts to an in your face attitude…Educators find themselves coping with a growing indifference toward authority.” Empowerment and confidence are nothing if there is no substance behind them. What are kids being empowered to do? Act on their own? They don’t even know who they are—except what the media tells them they are—consumers. Parents who aren’t around enough to instill values and set limits have left that “empowerment” space empty for the marketplace to fill. Book Discussion!

Monday, September 21 2009

Minx: Done come and gone

Need to be a stronger reader--requires a different kind of infferring--different style of decoding Compares easy books vs graphic novels--pictures are the scaffolding for the story Short Primer is a great resource to advocate for graphic novels Three intertwined overlapping phenomena: 1. closure 2. narrative density 3. amplification

Arrival Owlie Maus Pride of Bagdhad Laika Houdini

Graphic novels and comics are the same thing Kids are great at reading manga

Rapunzel's Revenge: hard to get into the graphic novel found the character annoying? great use of classical archetypal character analyze as an adult reader, then step back to think about how it works for its audience kids sometimes need a formula

Into the Volcano-

Liked this one more parts of it were confusing lots of necessary inferring dreamy and surreal--magical realism totally stereotypical dude fantasy

Tween titles Jesse covered:

Fog Mound Trilogy by Schade and Buller

Secret Science Alliance and the Copycat Crook by Davis

Outlaw: the Legend of Robin Hood by Lee and Hart

Rapunzel’s Revenge by Hale and Hale (and Hale)

Naruto by Kishimoto

Marvel Adventures series

Amelia Rules by Gownley

Lunch Lady by Krosoczka

Stone Arch graphic adaptations of mythology, fairy tales, classic literature

Storm in the Barn by Phelan

Non-Fiction – Gettysburg by Butzer and Satchel Paige: Striking out Jim Crow by Sturm.

September 28, 2009

Book Discussion

The Schwa Was Here


 * thought-provoking
 * magical realism-did you interpret it this way, or more literally?
 * author inspired by the kids who are unseen, forgotten, fade into the background
 * timeless, when was this set? Brooklyn, cell phone--contemporary, but could be anytime
 * "Manny Bullpucky"
 * Other forms of invisibility: seniors, handicapped, middle child.
 * Assets: family communication, integrity, fostering adult relationships, feeling safe in their environment, caring neighborhood, service to others, creative use of free time, neighborhood boundaries, planning and decision making, personal power, sense of purpose, social justice
 * good use of humor
 * paperclip symbolism
 * "Not sure if my students would go for it." Maybe an older Brooklyn, not current? Looks like Sideways Stories from Wayside School.
 * Boy book, universal read, urban read? feels like a very small neighborhood.
 * Is there a Braille copy? audio book? because of featuring a blind character
 * readalikes? Maniac Magee, Christopher Creed, Holes, Graveyard Book, Fly on the Wall (invisibility) Things Not Seen, Homecoming
 * Loved story about the name, coming to America, what a "schwa" is

Every Soul a Star


 * heart warming, so nice
 * distinct 3 POV, follow the page symbols
 * tame, promotes good values, both kids and parents will like it
 * It's okay to be smart and like science, but also need to be well-rounded
 * liked the characterization of Stella
 * too wholesome? Too nice
 * characters are one dimesional, stereotypes, predictable
 * found the narrative confusing
 * each reader can find someone to identify with
 * shows developmental differences, maturity levels
 * assets: family support, children as resources, reading for pleasure, positive peer influence, fostering adult relationships, covers all the assets.
 * who do you identify with? Is Bree supposed to be bad? Materialistic? Younger kids reading this book want to be in middle school, see what middle school is like.
 * give it to kids who are moving, astronomy geeks, girls, boys, girl who lacks self-confidence, struggling with their place in the world.
 * cover is too girly, needs a booktalk

Articles:


 * "I watch materialism play out at work." Kids want the new phones, tech, will try and take it from each other, willing to "jump" younger kids to get it.
 * Constantly comparing labels, cost, sneakers, gadgets.
 * Self-esteem dips in middle school
 * "meaningful praise" not just empty words, kids come to expect high praise and can find middle school a rude awakening
 * A shock to "good" kids when they face higher expectations in middle school
 * pulled out lots of connections between texts and articles.

October 5, 2009

fave books:

genesis (science fiction) harry potter 6 little brother illustrated man what my girlfriend doesn't know something missing phantom tollbooth

what they do when they're not reading: go on computer, homework, something related to reading sew go on computer, tv, Monk, go on computer--stumble (random web sites), email fanfiction draw, swim, gchat hulu, mostly im gchat, AIM, 17 kids talking at once homework stinks!!! 6 out of 7 have cell phones play video games: Wii: Halo, iPod touch games, free computer games, used to play runescape (when they were 6) adventurequest,

hours online:

watch less TV unless it's a long show DVR look up shows online on hulu internet is like TV Colbert, Jon Stewart, Office, Monk, Youtube music videos watch MTV music awards most of life revolves around TV and computers if you're constantly occupied, you don't think about checking your email

couselors have media in sleepaway camp when you're at camp you always have something to do want to be distracted from HW

Block popups tell parents the sites you go on take a picture of popups don't really go to any other websites except for gmail have to clean inbox

all the games now have ads when they see something uncomfortable on the web: screamed, change subject can erase history on the computer--they do it

how they get their music: buy stuff from iTunes; occasionally get a CD if it's a bunch of songs she wants to buy: loves Jason Mraz and soundtracks don't like songs with words--prefers beats--Cut Copy--not on iTunes--occasional CD--hears about it from her brother Will DL from iTunes--don't bother to buy songs; search them on youtube...will buy a CD if she can't find it on youtube; don't listen to music very often used to be into iTunes; finding Weird Al songs--loves 'hardware store." now listening to 80s songs--computer crashed and lost everything--buy a song when he really likes it listen to youtube.com De Vise Guys--mom speaks German but now he knows the words because he's memorized them DL using frostbite--Jonas Brothers; Nick is favorite; don't like Kevin brother will send when she can't find on iTunes--use iTunes a lot: Lovee, use iTunes gift cards--mom lets her buy use parent's credit card info can share the music around like to share music on iTunes brother only reads on a kindl she likes to feel the books--takes away from the experience of reading kindles are good because they lessen your load--kindle is smaller and won't fall apart--can store a whole bunch of books in it instead of having 20 books in her backpack. likes to talk about a book--and pull it out of a backpack--can't do that with a kindle the watchmen-- can't mark a page on a kindle buying a book is like the best thing ever

how many do you own: one Ikea shelf full of books--not so many novels--science books from grandma "don't understand why people don't like to read because it's sort of like traveling." Hate: Hatchet Harriet the Spy (maybe didn't understand it) Harry Potter Dangerous Skies take enormous periods of time to read a short book--Beowulf Willoughbys

rereads: phantom tollbooth little brother harry potter 7th tower percy jackson artemis fowl "sometimes you have to get the general idea of the book to get it--then you go back and read it again." brave new world--really thought provoking--had to re-read parts of it

Social Networking: one on twitter like FB games FB age is 13 dot blue one not allowed to get until she's 13---parents rule since her brother made a secret myspace page when he was 13 brother made her a FB--she can connect with him there likes to make music videos using games--posts them on youtube use iMovie to make movies--edit clips together to make videos and synch it with music

last parting shot: loves the book thief farenheit 451--hated it. didn't get the point can't read together on the kindle liked a book called the shape of water likes to write short stories and novels a lot--sometimes post it on FB read notes from the underground loves absolutely true diary of a part time indian--mom got to meet sherman A. sounds like we're all Internet loving maniacs, but we're really creative

October 19, 2009:

Gaming

Why have games: can link them to books--about gaming, cheats Cause kids want them Gaming is a way of telling a story-loops back to literacy sharpens problem skills can promote community and healthy competition promotes a positive environment: make the library seem cool channels their energy creating positive community self-directed learning empowering to make your own decisions gives kids a sense of ownership of library kids feel valued and appreciated kids look and use other library stuff while they're gaming/waiting to game creating people skills for the future

formal vs informal learning environments--afterschool is informal kids have to be ready to use technology to function in the future library gives community technology equity are lots of games that aren't violent and teach you issues --serious games Tempest in Crescent City Peacemaker Ayiti: Cost of Life

"Follow the Geneva Convention" when playing World of Warcraft

Book Discussion:

Lightning Thief:

Everyone likes it: fantastical, grounded in reality, NYC based, kids with learning disabilities are gods,urban, fast-paced, Assets: supportive family and teacher, high expectations, integrity, planning and decision making, achievement motivation, positive peer influence, personal power Who will read: everyone, harry potter fans, kids with ADHS, rr's, fans of mythology, people who feel like they don't belong Readalikes: harry potter, greek myths, tween pandora series, myth and mania, well witched, Bartameaus trilogy, eragon, inkheart, sisters grimm, 39 clues, books with magic, neil gaiman, unfortunate events, narnia, crest almancey series, neal schusterman, gail carson levine

Dragonfly Pool:

Like/note like: romanticized boarding school story, reading about their feelings, fans of historical fiction, girl scout crowd, fans of Ibbotson; boys won't like it, historical fiction could be a hard sell, too long, unrealistic, booooooring, all of the assets Missing assets: healthy lifestyle, homework, religious community..had all the other ones, which may raise eyebrows; community values, learning engagement, positive peer influence, bonding to school Who will read: girl scout crowd Readalikes: WW2 historical fiction, Narnia, Mysterious Benedict Society, House of Taylors, Regular Kid befrieds a prince--Secret Garden, Diary of Anne Frank, Number the Stars, Going Solo,

Well Witched: Liked/didn't like: Magic, suspense, gross-out stuff, fantasy; too scary, too unbelievable Assets: family support with mom, motivation, service to others, neighborhood support (flood), working together with peers to provide service to others, peaceful conflict resolution, Who will read: boys and girls; cover will be a hard sell, could sell it with the character josh Readalikes: Graveyard Book, Fly By Night, Harry Potter, Coraline, Goosebumps, Wish Giver Fear St, Lightning Thief,

Schooled: Will like: can find a character to relate to, main character is "interesting," Cheesy--kids who don't have a father, Who will read: outsiders, shy kids, wallflowers, kids who are bullied Younger in tone that the other books--sometimes felt like a preschooler Assets: had em all! Wanted to do the right thing; personal integrity was the biggest asset Like a bad "mockumentary" Maybe could be enjoyed by non fiction readers? Very afterschool special Readalikes: Stargirl, Every Soul a Star, Loser, The Schwa Was Here, Hoot, Absoultely True Diary of a Part Time Indian, books about new kids.

November 2, 2009:

Big Splash: Loved it: loved the noir, great characterizations of kids, real issues, did a noir study, kids could feel like grown-ups when they read it, what can you do with $20? Gave kids lots of credit for their intelligence--even the bad kids were really organized. Didn't like it: thought it was cheesy; too much--almost felt embarrassed by the language at certain points; some of the pranks were disturbing; kids are sneaky. Didn' like the cover B&N didn't like it either? Better to have something that's totally irrelevant rather than a gun? Looks like Superman--the cover has the same colors Would appeal to boys? Wide appeal: kids who like film? kids who take movies seriously and who take life very seriously; latchkey kids, kids who like funny books, good girl characters, diaper scene would be a great book talk--and the cat pee one too. Readalikes: Schwa, Wimpy Kid, Mysterious Benedict Society, London Eye Mystery, Dan Gutman, Sherlock Holmes, Dani Noir, Son of the Mob, Hugo Cabret

Tupac and D. Foster: Loved it: girls, friendship, sniffing on the subway, just like being in 7th grade--Just as Long as We're Together, well-written, realistic, girls were well represented, liked the family stuff--really liked that it was realistic fiction, kids didn't know who Tupac was, an emotional book, captures the mythology of Tupac, knowing Tupac helps give it appeal; more character driven than plot-driven; loved the character who went to prison, Didn't like: more written for people who like children's books instead of actual kids, nothing actually really happens, nothing to latch onto, could be controversial--lots of stuff inside the pages, never got her name--superautobiographical, boys said "Tupac, awesome. girls, no." almost historical fiction--different world, different setting.Won't be wildly successful with kids; don't like sappy girl stories, hard to care about them, feels like an insular narrative Who will read: girls, girls who love angsty girl stories, the crying group, too many feelings for boys, fans of Tupac, kids who are super heavy into music and the artists, fans of rap music, Readalikes: Rose That Grew from the Concrete, Just As Long as We're Together, Kira, Kira, Olive's Ocean, Penny from Heaven,

Shopping! Fiscal responsibility:

important for kids to understand what it costs to live Childhood has all but disappeared; to tell them about health costs, etc, lessens childhood even more

November 9, 2009

What does overbooking mean?

Taking care of siblings? Older brothers and sisters--most older siblings are assumed to take on some responsibility. Doing things around the house--being the man of the house--parents are working long hours or working multiple jobs parents can't afford afterschool activites--keep an eye on younger siblings while parents are at work never eat with their parents Kids have to work to contribute to their family income--working to support themselves and/or family Homework--kids have more--bookbags on wheels phenomenon--more books to tote around; tutoring, etc Work at your skills Overbooking--parents forcing kids into too many activities--not much time to play--missing time to be creative and work things out on their own Nannies! Kids overbook themselves--take on to many activities themselves--kids like too many things--spread themselves too thin and get stressed out--not committeed to one thing Can never be an expert in anything Some kids join clubs/activities to be popular Also kids whose parents--extracurricular programming--TMI programs and kids don't care about them Robs you of the ability to be by yourself and ability to deal with yourself alone Kids want to be with their friends--has to do a lot with parents--spent lots of time with friends Do what their friends with; influenced by their friends If one thing's available, they want everything to follow kids have play dates--opps for imagination and creativity

What can libraries do?

Middle school library program--study hall--programming library is an afterschool hangout? Come to spend more time with their friends--library is a social place Kaplan studies--waiting room Chess club, etc balance between structured vs social

Calpurnia Tate: Split btwn like/don't like Grandfather is a great character Lovely, beautiful Anne of Green Gabley story--lots happens, funny anecdotes Great subsidiary characters Great for learning about history. great sense of wonder--new technological age lots of thumbs down on the science-- smart girls will read historical fiction lovers science geeks tricking kids in booktalks is okay

Readalikes: Charles and Emma Anne o Green Gables House of Taylors Little Women Little House Meet the Austins Penderwicks All of a kind Family Bio of Darwin Butterfly Doctor My Side of the Mountain Julie of the wolves Island of the Blue Dolphins

Knucklehead: It's hilarious Kids find this hliarious Mischeviousness is in the writing---comes across as very 8 year old lower reading level than other books this semester read it as a period piece--humor feels dated but in a good way like Boy (Dahl) KNew it wasn't what my life was like but kids can still see themselves in it Short chapters and lots of pictures are good--and has an easy vocabulary--great for reluctant readers Boys will read Reluctant readers--girls will read too like reading a joke book all about being a writer and producing ideas, stories All about the personal narrative Felt like watching a bad nick at nite show about their parents Memoir lots of stuff about Catholic School

Readalikes: Sing a song of tunafish Boy king of the mild frontier Wayside School DIary of a wimpy kid Frindle Cheaper by the Dozen

November 16, 2009:

Hanging Out:

Friendship-driven-being with your friends online, FBy, being online, learning social skills, chat rooms, IM,

Messing Around:

As they get more comfortable using the computer as an interface--find things they're interested in--using freedom to do what they want online--exploring, experiencing with social media--google image search for Jonas Bros, youtube videos--watching music videos, exploring, improving searching skills--playing games--lots of word of mouth--

Geeking Out:

Getting obsessed with something and getting really good at it. Like Runescape, cheat guides, dig deeper--using social media to create--fan fiction; self-directed learning, music recording--can do it all on computers--fancy MAC software: artistic, Halo books,

"there's always a buzz about something."

YouMedia--Digital Youth Network

Emma Jean Lazarus Fell out of a Tree:

Girls would read Love the character Assets: Positive relationships with parents/peers; Creative Activities; Caring, personal power, caring school climate, service to others, Readalikes: Frankie Landau Banks, Stargirl, Loser, Schooled, Rules, Every Soul a Star,Curious Incident, Marcello In the Real World, Al Capone Does My Shirts, London Eye Mystery, Harrie the Spy, Matilda, Higher Power of Lucky, Schwa Was Here

London Eye Mystery: Liked it--thought it was okay--lots of figurative language over and over again Thought it was exciting, interesting, a page turner--liked the characters Myestery was good-- Adult characters were so over the top---loss of child wasn't too heavy--light Good to read realistic stuff for a change

Who's gonna read this: mystery lovers, boys and girls, anglophiles, kids with aspergers

Assets: personal power, constructive use of time, children as resources, positive family relationships, postive adult relationships, caring school climate, encouraging environment, service to others, planning and decision making, responsibility

Readalikes: Schwa, Big Splash, Chasing Vermeer, Al Capone Does My Shirts, Emma Jean, Rules, This is What I Did, The Westing Game, Invention of Hugo Cabret, Half Moon Investigation, 39 Clues, Sisters Grimm, Curious Incident...,

Monday, November 23 Claudette Colvin: like the personal narrative, liked the layout with extra facts & sidebars, tone was good, liked the quotes, expected it to be shorter than it was, may be a turn off to teens because of the format.

Readalikes: Tonya Bolding (author), Medgar Evars bio, Emmett Till bios, Chris Crowe (author) Guardian by Julius Lester, Freedom Walkers by Russell Freedman, Marching for Freedom by Elizabeth Partridge.

Fiction vs. Nonfiction: is it easier to sell this topic in fiction or nonfiction (civil rights)

Thousand Never Evers: strong personal response, liked the characterizations, liked the white woman the main character's mom worked for, some comparisons about body issues with Cisernos, liked the discussions of black stereotypes, brought to light and discussed in a tween friendly tone. Court scene-not sure if she would be put on the stand or the adults would take her to the woods to look for evidence.

Read alikes: Roll of Thunder, Bud Not Buddy, Watsons Go to Birmingham, To Kill a Mockingbird, Guardian, Zeely, Road to Paris,

Lucy and Snowcap

anthro-fiction, liked that approach, others didn't like it. Didn't finish, pace was deadly, most of the characters were unlikable, thought it was clever, thought fantasy element was well done, others felt it was bogged down, too many details, adventure didn't start until half way through, too predictable, not as good as Gabriel Garcia Marquez in terms of magical realism. Did it work as a colonialization story?

who is the reader of this book? allegorical, like Gulliver's Travels, good for history teachers, compare to real colonization.

Readalikes: This Giver, Nation by Terry Pratchett, Hunger Games (?), Thirteenth Child, Phantom Tollbooth, Patricia Reilly Giff, The Cay, Handmaid's Tale (?) City of Beasts by Allende.

December 7, 2009:

Top 10 Program Types

Contests Dance Video Games (Rock Band) Music Crafts Manga Food Fashion/Beauty

Like it/didn't like it/why who's gonna read Readlikes 3 first lines for a book talk Quick program connection